Join Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) for the Ninth Annual ‘Puppies for Patients’ program running through Dec. 31, 2013. Donors who give blood during this time will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed toy puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. More public drives can be found at Community Blood Center of the Carolinas’ web site www.cbcc.us. CBCC has donation centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory, and Union County (http://www.cbcc.us/about/donor-center-hours.php for center hours). Call 704-972-4700 or go to www.carolinadonor.org to make an appointment at any location. *Please note the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas' minimum weight requirement for blood donors is 120 pounds.